Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui made his most substantial impact since his return from AFCON, in the win over Crystal Palace.
Luke Shaw’s near-impeccable fitness record in 2025/26 took a hit when he was substituted after 24 minutes against Crystal Palace.
Noussair Mazraoui was brought on as Shaw’s replacement, with the Moroccan playing as a fill-in left-back for the remaining 76 minutes.
Mazraoui delivered a strong performance to demonstrate why he is United’s ultimate modern day utility defender – and arguably deserves to be regarded as more.
Noussair Mazraoui dribbles the ball for Man Utd
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Noussair Mazraoui steps up vs Palace
Typically a right-back, Noussair Mazraoui came on at left-back to replace Luke Shaw, and he did not look out of step.
Mazraoui played at left-back for United last season during Shaw’s absence, and even played in the role at AFCON for Morocco. So this was not unusual for him.
By the same token, Mazraoui’s versatility is not a trait we take for granted at all.
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Mazraoui has barely played since AFCON, mainly thanks to Diogo Dalot’s improved form at right-back.
Prior to the Palace game, Mazraoui totalled 23 minutes game time across four late appearances as a substitute.
He got 76 minutes from the bench against Palace, and delivered a strong, competent performance that helped United come back from 1-0 down to win 2-1.
He completed 40 of 43 passes and won 100 per cent of his aerial duels.
Mazraoui is the kind of dependable player every team needs, and next season when squad rotation is more essential with extra games, he will have a larger role to play.
In the short-term he could fill in at left-back if Shaw misses time, while this performance will strengthen his case for a recall at right-back.
What did you think of Noussair Mazraoui’s performance vs Palace?
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A different United for Mazraoui
There was little doubt that Manchester United missed Noussair Mazraoui when he left to compete in AFCON. His early departure coincided with United shipping four goals at home to Bournemouth in December.
Mazraoui returned in late January to a very different Manchester United to the one he left. Ruben Amorim had been fired, and Michael Carrick had taken over, shifting tactics to a more straightforward back four.
Under Amorim, Mazraoui played most frequently as part of a back three, and adapted superbly.
He has returned to a role as a back-up rather than an essential starter, but it was only a matter of time before he was called upon for a meaningful role again.
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